5 feng shui tips for job seekers
Let's
face it -- job searching is stressful. So if anything can be done to
help bring positive energy to the experience, it's worth exploring.
That's why the practice of feng shui is so intriguing. While feng shui
may seem like something you do when decorating your house, its
applications can extend beyond the abode and into your job search.
According to the Encarta World English Dictionary,
feng shui is "a Chinese system that studies people's relationships to their
environment, especially their home or workspace, in order to achieve
maximum harmony with the spiritual forces believed to influence all
places."

"Feng
shui is about how the space you live and work in affects your mood,
energy level and your decisions," says Donna Stellhorn,and author of "2012: Year of the Water Dragon." "By making the
appropriate changes to your physical environment, you shift the energy
flow and prime your subconscious to recognize success opportunities."
Stellhorn notes that when it comes to the job hunt, it's easy to feel
down and defeated by what seem like insurmountable obstacles. "To
protect ourselves from these obstacles, we can set up blocks to new
opportunities. We may not feel these blocks, only those opportunities
seem to stop coming. By making feng shui changes, we stimulate the
energy so the opportunities can come again."
So how can job seekers benefit from feng shui? Stellhorn shares the
following five tips to help bring balance and positivity to your job
search:
1. Avoid horizontal lines on your résumé or cover letter.
"Horizontal lines break up the flow of energy, giving the reader a
chance to look away -- the same way we may close a book when we come to
the end of a chapter," Stellhorn says. "Horizontal lines may cause the
reader to pause to check email or answer the phone, and once their
attention is lost they may not return to finish reading your résumé."
2. Choose paragraphs over lists. Stellhorn says that if you're
pursuing a position that requires certain expertise, try using
paragraphs instead of just bullet points. "Studies show we have an
internal clock that judges the amount of time it takes us to scan
information. The longer we linger, the more complex it seems. A
paragraph gives the impression of more in-depth knowledge and a
stronger skill set." Conversely, Stellhorn says that if you're applying
for a position requiring people or sales skills, bullet points work
well, because they exude the energy of being more straightforward and
easy to understand.
3. Focus your energy on interviewing. After applying for a
position, Stellhorn suggests blocking out a few dates and times on your
calendar when you're available for interviews. "Make a point of
marking them in your calendar, and picture how the company will contact
you. By focusing your intent on getting the interview, you call the
energy of opportunity to you." And no matter what happens, a little
positive thinking never hurt anyone.
4. Choose your interview clothes wisely. When picking an outfit
for an interview, Stellhorn recommends choosing clothes based on the
position for which you're applying. She suggests wearing darker colors
when interviewing for a management position, because black and navy
indicate a person of power and authority. Lighter colors -- grays, tans
and creams -- are good for a supporting role, because they can
indicate a person who is willing to work hard. "If the job involves
communication, consider wearing blues; if it involves making quick
decisions, then wear red; if it's financial, consider wearing charcoal."
5. Be mindful of your movements. Stellhorn says that during an
interview, job seekers should be cognizant of their body language. Men
should avoid folding their hands in their lap as this may send a
subconscious message that they're feeling threatened. "Women should
avoid playing with their jewelry during the interview. This can be seen
as covering up a lie."
While there's no silver bullet when it comes to conducting a successful
job search, integrating feng shui may just help you better focus on
your future.